The Sweden rally has been a real nail-biter, with four pilots still in the running to win it all. Just 12.8 seconds separate the top contenders, and with the last day of competition left, it’s anyone’s game. So, is this a sign of a healthy championship, or does it indicate a lack of a dominant force – perhaps like Ogier? Whatever the case, the Sweden rally has created an electric atmosphere where anything can happen.
The Battle for the Top Spot
The sections of the second day were much more demanding and spectacular, leaving a sense of uncertainty as no one seems to have the upper hand. Of the five initial frontrunners, four are still in the mix, and the battle is heating up. Elfyn Evans is currently in the lead, having fended off Katsuta’s morning attack. The Japanese driver had closed the gap to just a tenth of a second but struggled in the afternoon, almost losing control at one point. “It was not ideal, I lost a braking point and went at the crossroads,” he confessed after the last special of Umea. Despite this, Evans still holds on to a three-second lead.
The Hyundai team is hot on Evans’ heels, with Neuville and Tanak placing second and third, respectively. Tanak had a bit of a scare in Sarjoliden, explaining that his car was not easy to drive, but he’s still very much in the running. The Estonian is just 12.8 seconds behind Evans, and with a consistent attack, he could easily make up the difference.
A Disastrous Day for Fourmaux
Adrien Fourmaux had been making headlines after a strong showing in Montecarlo and a good initial day in the snow. However, his Saturday was a disaster. He failed to fasten his helmet in the last section of the morning loop, losing a whopping 20 seconds. In an attempt to recover in the afternoon, he ended up crashing and retiring from the rally. “Failure is part of the rally,” he defended, but it’s clear that this was a tough blow. His misfortune opened the door for Rovanpera, who now sits in fifth place, just over 20 seconds behind the leader.
The final day of competition promises to be an emotional rollercoaster, with the potential to become the most tightly contested WRC rally of all time. The current classification is reminiscent of the 2012 Jordan rally, where Ogier and Latvala were separated by just two tenths of a second, or the 2024 Sardinia rally, where the legend himself was involved in a thrilling finish.
Current Classification
1. Evans
2. Katsuta +3.0
3. Neuville +6.3
4. Tänak +12.8
5. Rovanperä +22.9
6. Sesks +1:31.4
7. Pajari +1:43.6
8. McErlean +2:05.8
9. Munster +2:45.9
10. Solberg +6:09.6
It’s all to play for on the last day, and with the top four drivers so close, it’s impossible to predict who will come out on top. One thing’s for sure, though – it’s going to be an exciting finish.
